WHY ARE ID TRIALS TAKING PLACE AND WHAT DO VOTERS NEED TO BRING?

Currently polling stations do not require you to present formal ID when voting - or even a polling card - with volunteers confirming your address on a form.

The ID trials causing controversy today were brought in by the Cabinet Office after reports of alleged electoral fraud through voter impersonation more than doubled between 2014 and 2016, according to the Electoral Commission.

Woking, Gosport, Bromley, Watford and Swindon volunteered to take part in a trial, which require voters to produce ID before being issued with a ballot paper.

The exact form of ID varies from council to council, with some requiring a picture ID and others proof of address.

For example, Watford and Swindon required voters to bring their polling cards with them to cast their ballots, whereas it is not compulsory in general.

The toughest restrictions appear to be in Bromley in south east London were voters must bring either photo ID such as a passport or driving licence OR two documents including marriage or birth certificates, bank statements or utility bills, with at least one containing proof of address.